Description

The Bare-Eyed Cockatoo, or Little Corella, is a medium-sized white cockatoo instantly recognizable by the patch of bare, blue-grey skin around its eyes, which gives it a perpetually curious, almost comical expression. They are known for a highly playful, clownish, and energetic temperament. Bare-Eyes are less prone to the “velcro” clinginess of the larger white cockatoos and are often more independent, making them a more manageable companion. They are excellent talkers and highly intelligent, constantly entertaining their owners with their antics. They are loud, but often less ear-piercing than the large white species, making a characteristic grating or shrieking call.

Tamability and Maintenance: Bare-Eyed Cockatoos are highly tamable and bond strongly, often enjoying physical play and cuddling. They are a high maintenance bird due to their intelligence and need for constant physical and mental activity. They require a large, durable cage and several hours of out-of-cage time daily for exercise and interaction. They are strong chewers and must have a continuous supply of wooden and shreddable toys. Their independence makes them slightly more manageable than a Moluccan, but their need for stimulation remains high. Their lifespan is typically 40-60 years.

Diet: The Bare-Eyed Cockatoo’s diet must be low-fat. The foundation should be a high-quality, medium parrot pellet formula. This is to be supplemented daily with a generous mix of fresh, chopped vegetables (broccoli, corn, carrots) and a small amount of fruit. Seeds and nuts should be restricted to small, measured amounts for training or foraging to prevent obesity and related health problems common in the species.